Tania Richard’s solo play, “Black Girl from a White Suburb,” is now showing at the American Blues Theater. The performance begins and wraps up with an act of breathing. Before uttering any dialogue, Richard engages in yoga stretches, hinting at a personal space being shared. The play concludes with a collective moment of reflection as the audience joins her in synchronized breathing. This shared experience serves as a fitting close to an hour filled with her vivid memories, ranging from humorous to painful.
Richard is an accomplished Chicago-based actress. She has performed at notable venues such as Goodman, Steppenwolf, and Court theaters. Additionally, she is an artistic affiliate and the inclusion and belonging consultant at American Blues Theater. In 2025, she published her memoir “Black Girl from a White Suburb: Finding My Light, Using My Voice.” Following this, the theater commissioned her to adapt it for the stage under the direction of J. Nicole Brooks.
Richard’s parents, originally from Haiti, immigrated to Canada for medical education and later settled in Chicago for their residencies. Advice from colleagues directed them to Western Springs, a predominantly white suburban area, to raise their family. Consequently, Richard found herself as the only Black child in her school for a significant part of her education. By high school, she was joined by one other Black student, a football player who exclusively dated white girls, she humorously notes.
“Being green erased my race,”
Richard reflects on her transformative role as the caterpillar in “Alice in Wonderland.” This experience provided her a sense of belonging as a writer and performer, despite facing microaggressions from her middle-school drama club teacher. Her experiences shed light on the subtle racism that persists even in privileged settings, where seemingly everyday encounters hold underlying threats and indignities.
Beyond personal stories, Richard touches on national events such as the 1991 police beating of Rodney King. Performing in Steppenwolf Theatre’s premiere of “The Song of Jacob Zulu” during the subsequent acquittal of officers brought raw emotion as the drama reflected Apartheid. Her insights provide a seldom-highlighted view of growing up Black in America.
The motif of breathing resurfaces throughout her narrative, especially in connection with the pleas of Eric Garner and George Floyd, “I can’t breathe.” After suffering from COVID-19 complications, Richard found medical relief only with a Black doctor, underscoring healthcare disparities.
In her well-crafted space, designed by Shokie Tseumah with props by Tyson Carter, Richard unfolds a story that challenges and inspires. Although the call to action lacked some depth, her journey in finding her voice remains relevant and impactful. While it may not be the most dramatic show, its relatability brings authenticity. The play runs through October 4 at American Blues Theater, offering tickets from $34.50 to $64.50.
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